Blu-Ray Players Set to Be Most Popular Internet Connected Devices

While few home network users currently have permanent connections between their consumer electronics (CE) devices and their home networks, those that do most commonly connect their game console, reports In-Stat . As more connected CE devices become available, In-Stat expects Blu-ray disc (BD) players/recorders will lead CE network client growth.

“The primary reasons that more devices are not connected to home networks are: consumer awareness/knowledge, availability of network-capable CE products on retail shelves, prices of network-capable CE products, competition with non-network-capable CE products (like docking stations), and lack of perceived need by some consumers,” said Joyce Putscher, In-Stat analyst.

Recent research by In-Stat found that almost 43% of the Windows PCs used in North American homes in June 2008 had Media Center functionality, up from 32% in 2007.

In-Stat’s consumer survey reveals that 64% of U.S. respondents are somewhat, very or extremely interested in watching Internet-based streaming video on their household TV.

A proliferating set of competitors are offering a range of digital media adapter/player/receiver (DMA/DMP/DMR) devices, including Apple, Cisco, Denon, Hewlett-Packard, Roku, Samsung, and many others.

The market research firm claims that the worldwide media server-capable device market is estimated at $50 billion in 2008.